And I quote:
 so it looks like I can join Linkshells... which are apparently seperate from Free companies.
Quote:[*][Linkshell Restrictions][*][*][Free Company Restrictions]
- - Linkshells cannot be created by Free Trial characters.
- + However, Free Trial characters can join already existing linkshells.
[*][Party Restrictions]
- - Free Trial characters cannot join free companies.
- - Free Trial users cannot invite other players to their party.
- - Free Trial users cannot recruit party members via the Party Finder.
- + However, Free Trial users can be invited to parties and use the Duty Finder feature. (in-game matchmaking system)
 so it looks like I can join Linkshells... which are apparently seperate from Free companies.